About the figures in this guide. These are typical UK market ranges, gathered from published industry sources. They are not a Move Mate quote. For a price for your job, ask us.
The short answer
Across the UK, a man and van is usually charged by the hour, with one person and a van at the lower end and two people at the higher end. Most operators also set a minimum number of hours, commonly around three, so a very short job still costs that minimum.
Rates vary by region and by how big the van is. A quote should always tell you the hourly rate, the minimum hours, and whether travel time to and from the job is included, because that last one catches people out.
What actually changes the price
Crew size is the single biggest factor. A second person roughly doubles the hourly rate but can more than halve the time, so for anything heavy two people are often cheaper overall, not more expensive.
After that: how far apart the two addresses are, whether there are stairs or a lift, how close the van can park, whether anything needs dismantling, and how well packed you are when the crew arrives. A job where everything is boxed and ready loads in a fraction of the time.
Congestion and clean-air charges, parking suspensions and waiting time are usually extra. Ask whether they are included or added.
Man and van, or a full removal?
A man and van suits a few items, a single room, a part load or a flat move. It is charged by the hour, so you carry the risk if the job runs long.
A full house removal is quoted as a fixed price after a survey. That costs more up front but the price does not move on the day, which matters when you are also dealing with a completion date.
As a rough line: if you could not fit it in two or three van loads, get a removal quote instead.
How to compare quotes properly
Get the hourly rate, the minimum hours, the crew size and what counts as chargeable time in writing. Two quotes with the same headline rate can differ by a lot once travel time and minimums are applied.
Check that goods in transit cover is included, and ask what happens if the job overruns.
Be wary of a rate well below everything else. It usually means one person where you needed two, or travel time billed separately.
Last reviewed 21 September 2026.